NOVEMBER 9, 2016 - PORTLAND, OR: An infant league by any measure, the Great West League took a major step forward today with the addition of Lincoln, California to the second-year league. "We're excited to add such a dynamic market to our growing league," said GWL President Ken Wilson.

The announcement came at a press event at McBean Stadium, which is currently being renovated to accommodate the Great West League and the William Jessup University baseball program. "McBean Stadium is a local treasure and we're thrilled the GWL is coming to Lincoln," said Lincoln Mayor Spencer Short.

Team co-owners Bill Stewart and Clifton Taylor unveiled the team nickname and logo. The team will be known as the Potters. "Baseball teams in Lincoln have long been called the Potters," said Stewart. "The name originates from Gladding, McBean & Company, which has made pottery products in Lincoln for over 150 years."

Located northeast of Sacramento, Lincoln has seen rapid suburban development and in 2015 was the fastest growing city over 10,000 people in the United States.

The addition of Lincoln to the GWL comes as the league announced that the Lodi Crushers and Sacramento Stealth will be inactive for the 2017 season. "We'll have an extremely strong five-team league this coming season," noted Wilson. "With the interest in our league, we possibly could jump to eight teams as early as 2018." The Stealth is working towards a new stadium in Sacramento, while the Crushers are continuing efforts to add a local component to their ownership group.

Each team will play 54 league games during the upcoming season and will add additional home games with teams outside the Great West League. At the conclusion of the regular season, the teams finishing first and second will meet in a best-of-three Championship Series for the GWL title. The 2017 schedule will be released soon.

ABOUT THE GREAT WEST LEAGUEThe Great West League is one of the premier summer collegiate wood bat leagues in North America, providing a professional, minor league-like atmosphere for top college players seeking professional baseball careers, while providing affordable family entertainment and enriching the quality of life in its member communities.